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Manchester City complete five-and-a-half year deal for River Plate's Julian Alvarez

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Laurens: Alvarez is the future of Argentine football (0:30)

Julien Laurens can't hide his excitement at Manchester City's move for River Plate youngster Julian Alvarez. (0:30)

Manchester City have completed the signing of Julian Alvarez from River Plate.

Alvarez joins City for a fee of €17 million but will stay at River Plate until at least the summer.

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The 22-year-old forward, who has been capped six times by Argentina, has signed a five-a-half-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

"Julian is a player we have monitored for some time," City director of football Txiki Begiristain said in a statement.

"He is capable of operating in a number of attacking roles, and we firmly believe he's one of the best young attacking players in South America.

"I am so happy we have managed to bring him to Manchester City. I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player."

Alvarez made his River Plate debut in October 2018 and has scored 36 goals in 96 appearances.

He made his senior debut for Argentina against Chile in June 2021.

And speaking ahead of the Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Colombia, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said of the move: "It's very positive for Argentinian football that a player takes such a leap.

"Once he changes club, we will see how he performs. That is what we evaluate. We are happy with him. Now he just needs to find bit of rhythm but it's normal because of the holidays. It's good know that Julian can play in different positions."